Eye Candy for Today: Edith Hayllar’s Five o’clock tea

Five o’clock tea, Edith Hayllar (1860–1948), oil on canvas, 18 x 14 in. (46 x 35 cm). Image is from a 2011 Christie’s auction. I assume the original is in a private collection. My eye imediately goes to the the almost sihlouetted woman sitting at the top of a small flight of stairs, her arm around a curled up dog (who I presume is waiting for her tea companion). I’m drawn by the contrast between her shadowed face and the brighter ground, as well as the contrast of the white flowers on her hat against the darker foliage behind. I’m then led, in something of a spiral, to the table setting with its shining silver and Delft blue, set againt a colorful spray of flowers, and back to the gate in the courtyard and the inviting path beyond.